Manly MattersSeptember 2025 |
Dear Resident,
Welcome to the September 2025 edition of Manly Matters, my monthly e-newsletter covering the latest news and issues across the Manly area.
- Tobacco Bill Introduced in NSW Parliamen
- St Cecilia’s Closure
- Rollers Outdoor Seating
- Funding Delivered for Manly Area
- Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network Conference 2025
- Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2025
- AYAH Calabria Club Fundraiser
- Potholes and Flood Damage
- Out and About in Our Community
As always, my office is here to help. Should you wish to get in touch to discuss an issue, or would like to learn more about what I’ve delivered and what I stand for, please head over to my website: https://jamesgriffinmp.com/
You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin for further news covering the Manly Electorate.
I look forward to seeing you out and about in our community.
Yours sincerely,
James Griffin MP
Member for Manly
Tobacco Bill Introduced to NSW Parliament
Last Parliamentary sitting week, the NSW Liberal Opposition introduced a bill to change NSW’s laws around illegal tobacco and vape stores. This is a direct result of the public feedback I received from those who signed my petition and want to see these stores shut down for good.
Our bill calls for:
- prison sentences
- closure powers for NSW Health and the courts
- offences for landlords who knowingly rent their premises to these illicit stores
- lease termination rights for landlords
In working constructively with the Government, legislation is now making its way through the Parliament. I will continue to provide updates as this progresses.
Watch my video announcing the introduction of this bill by clicking the thumbnail below:
St Cecilia’s Closure
Having met with affected parents, I know the closure of St Cecilia’s is causing real distress and uncertainty for families in our community. Many have raised concerns about the timing of this announcement by Catholic Schools Broken Bay, as well as the consultation process itself.
I have spoken directly with the Dioceses to relay these concerns, and have written to Bishop Anthony Randazzo to ensure all feedback which I’ve received from the community is clearly documented and considered.
For those families who are not able to relocate their children to St Kieran’s in Manly, the Department of Education has advised me that our local public schools are well-prepared for additional enrolments and are already welcoming new students.
My office will continue to offer support to those who require further information and assistance.
Rollers Café Outdoor Seating
I was disappointed to see Northern Beaches Councillors vote to remove outdoor tables and chairs from celebrated Rollers Café in Manly, especially just months after securing one of the largest rate rises in history.
Notably, two Councillors were absent from the vote. A rescission motion in September gives them the chance to put this right, and those Councillors who missed the vote will have the opportunity to be clear about where they stand.
Council should be celebrating and supporting Manly’s vibrant outdoor dining culture, not stripping it back.
Image: Rollers Cafe Outdoor Seating
$446,739 in Funding Secured for Manly Community Groups
I am delighted to announce that $446,739 in funding has been secured for Manly Electorate through the NSW Government’s 2025 (CBP) Community Building Partnership Program.
Spread across 15 projects, this funding will deliver much-needed improvements and upgrades to local schools, organisations, surf clubs and community facilities.
The projects which will receive funding are:
Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network Conference 2025
The Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network Conference 2025 was a powerful day, highlighting the complexity of the system but also the strong resolve to drive change.
Thank you to Network Chair Narelle Hand and all involved in organising this confronting but essential discussion. It was great to join fellow Northern Beaches MPs in supporting the incredible work of local organisations and individuals tackling domestic violence.
Images: Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network Conference 2025
Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2025
Monday 18 August marked Vietnam Veterans’ Day and the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan in 1966.
It was a privilege to attend a small but powerful service at the Manly War Memorial to commemorate the almost 60,000 Australians who served our nation during the 10 years of our involvement in the Vietnam War.
Above: Vietnam Veterans’ Day 2025 at Manly War Memorial.
AYAH Calabria Club Fundraiser
Above: Speaking at the AYAH Calabria Club Fundraiser
A big thank you to the Manly Vale Calabria Club who recently hosted a wonderful night in support of Manly’s Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH).
The night was a huge success full of great people, great Italian food and live entertainment – with all money raised going to the Hospice.
As Australia’s first and only young adult hospice, the Manly AYAH continues to provide respite and end-of-life care to young people and families from right across NSW.
Potholes and Flood Damage
Over the last few weeks, heavy rainfall has left our roads in a state of disrepair, with many residents contacting me to report large and dangerous potholes.
I have liaised with Council who are working hard to repair these, and maintenance crews are currently undertaking pothole repairs across the LGA.
If you have noticed a dangerous pothole on our local roads that needs to be filled, please report it to Council by clicking here
If the damaged road in question is a state road, please instead report the pothole via the following link by clicking here or alternatively contact my office.
State roads in the Manly area include:
- Sydney Road
- Pittwater Road
- Condamine Street
- Wakehurst Parkway
- Spit Road/Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation
Out and About in Our Community
One of the great privileges of representing Manly in NSW Parliament is getting the opportunity to acknowledge and promote the incredible individuals and organisations doing great things in our community. If you know anyone or any business you think is deserving of acknowledgment, please reach out to me or my office!
Last modified: October 3, 2025
